Rapunzel, Rapunzel

My hair has reached that inevitable awkward phase. I'm really trying to grow it out this time. I always seem to get impatient with it and find myself cutting it short, but not this time. I do have a hair cut appointment on Friday, but only to clean up the ends which will hopefully encourage it to grow out a bit faster. That's what I've heard anyway. I will resist the urge to chop it off! I foresee long waves, curls, and braids in my future. Is there a real way of making it grow faster, or are they all just snake oils and scams?